Water resistant buoyant case for a mobile electronic device

ABSTRACT

A water resistant and buoyant case is provided for a mobile electronic device. The case includes an enclosure sleeve defining an interior cavity and an opening at one end for form fittingly receiving the device, a watertight seal of the opening, a portion of the front side of the enclosures defined by a transparent, transmissive film, ports defined through the enclosure for transmission of sound and passage of electrical connectors and preventing water penetration into the interior cavity, and a buoyant cradle releasably secured to a backside and opposite ends of the enclosure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/075,663, filed Mar. 30,2011, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/319,509, filed Mar. 31, 2010. These applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a protective case for a mobileelectronic device, also commonly known as portable electronic devicesand handheld devices, for example, smart cell phones and the like. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a case that is formfitting to a mobile electronic device, wherein the case is water proofor resistant, and wherein the case when holding the mobile electronicdevice is buoyant in water.

Mobile electronic devices, such as cellular telephones, internetdevices, and music players, are becoming more and more popular. Becausemobile electronic devices provide the ability to communicate withothers, provide access to information, or provide video and audioentertainment, people are taking mobile electronic devices to almost anyplace they go. Unfortunately, the outer casings of mobile electronicdevices are often not water resistant or otherwise sealed to preventdamage to the sensitive electronics that make up the devices. Hence,accidents such as submersion of a mobile electronic device in water at apool or at a beach are common place, and these accidents may end uprendering a device unusable. Moreover, the outer surfaces of mobileelectronic devices are often made from materials that can be easilyscratched.

Cases are often provided for mobile electronic devices in order toreduce the possibility of damaging the device from inadvertent contactwith liquids, inadvertent drops, corrosion in high humidityenvironments, dropping, crushing, etc. Some of these cases are made tobe water resistant, and some are further made to be buoyant in water.Some cases also provide air gaps, stiffeners and raised rims to cushionand absorb the impact shock of dropping and to resist crushing of thedevice. Such cases, however, are cumbersome, bulky, unattractive, andlimit functionality. Thus, while there have been efforts to designaesthetically pleasing mobile electronic devices, the devices are oftenobscured in unattractive cases in order to ensure against accidentaldamage. Moreover, such bulky cases often cannot be held in convenientplaces such as shirt or pants pockets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may comprise one or more of the features recitedin the attached claims, and/or one or more of the following features andcombinations thereof.

The present invention provides a case for a mobile electronic devicethat can be relatively form fitting to the mobile electronic device,water resistant, and buoyant when encasing the mobile electronic device.

In one embodiment, a water resistant case is provided for a mobileelectronic device. The case includes an enclosure that comprises (i) afirst surface, (ii) a second surface opposite the first surface, (iii) afirst chamber between the first and second surfaces, with the firstchamber configured to receive the mobile electronic device, (iv) asecond chamber containing a buoyant material, (v) an opening to thefirst chamber, and (vi) a first attachment structure provided on thefirst surface or the second surface at a position opposite to the firstchamber. The case also includes a closure flap connected to theenclosure, with the closure flap including (i) an open end, (ii) apassage connecting the open end and the opening to the first chamber inthe enclosure, (iii) a sealable structure that can provide a watertightseal to the passage, and (iv) a second attachment structure. The closureflap is movable between a position extended from the enclosure forreceiving the mobile electronic device through the open end of theclosure flap, to a folded position where the closure flap is positionedadjacent to the enclosure and where the second attachment structure onthe closure flap is positioned to the first attachment structure on theenclosure.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a buoyant waterproof case isprovided adapted to receive a mobile electronic device, the casecomprising (i) an enclosure having a front side and a backside anddefining a cavity therebetween, the enclosure having a first and secondend, the second end open for slidingly and form-fittedly receiving intothe cavity the device therethrough, a portion of the front side of theenclosure defined by a transparent film that enables finger strokecommunication with the device's display panel through the film, and abackside of the enclosure; (ii) a closure cap enclosing the second endof the enclosure; (iii) a sleeve coupled to the opening of theenclosure, the sleeve releasably and watertight sealingly coupling theclosure cap to the enclosure; (iv) a detachable buoyancy cradle having abuoyant panel, a first cap extending upward from a first side and firstend of the panel, and a second cap extending upward from a second sideand a second end of the panel, at least one of the first and second capoutwardly flexible to receive and retain the first end and the secondend of the enclosure, releasably securing the panel against a backsideof the enclosure.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a buoyant waterproof case isprovided adapted to receive a mobile electronic device, the casecomprising (i) a enclosure having a front side and a backside anddefining a cavity therebetween, the enclosure having a first and secondend, the second end open for slidingly and form-fittedly receiving intothe cavity the device therethrough, a portion of the front side of theenclosure defined by a transparent film that enables finger strokecommunication with the device's display panel through the film, and abackside of the enclosure; (ii) a closure sized for enclosing the secondend of the enclosure; (iii) a sleeve coupled to the opening of theenclosure, the sleeve releasably and watertight sealingly coupling theclosure cap to the enclosure; (iv) a detachable buoyancy cradle having apanel, a first cap extending upward from a first side and first end ofthe panel, and a second cap extending upward from a second side and asecond end of the panel, at least one of the first and second capoutwardly flexible to receive and retain the first end and the secondend of the enclosure, releasably securing the panel against a backsideof the enclosure.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a buoyant waterproof caseadapted to receive a mobile electronic device, includes (i) a sleevehaving a front side and a backside and defining a cavity therebetween,the enclosure having a first and second end, the first end closed andthe second end defining an opening for slidingly receiving into thecavity the device therethrough, a portion of the front side of theenclosure defined by a transparent film; (ii) at least one port definedthrough the sleeve; (iii) a sealing structure providing a watertightseal of the opening at the second end; and (iv) a buoyant structurehaving a panel releasably secured to a backside of the sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of a back side of a case according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 2 is a view of the front side of the case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view of an end of the case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is view of the case shown in FIG. 1 in an open position toreceive the mobile electronic device.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the case shown in FIG. 1 holding a mobileelectronic device.

FIG. 6 is a view of the back side of a case according to an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the case shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the mobile electronic devicebeing inserted in the case shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a top cross-sectional view of the mobile electronic devicebeing inserted in the case shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a case according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the case shown in FIG. 10 withits three detachable components disassembled from each other.

FIG. 12 is an exploded front perspective view of the enclosure portionof the case shown in FIG. 10 with its main components disassembled fromeach other.

FIG. 13 is an exploded rear perspective view of the enclosure portion ofthe case shown in FIG. 10 with its main components disassembled fromeach other.

FIG. 14 is an exploded left side perspective view of the enclosureportion of the case shown in FIG. 10 with its main componentsdisassembled from each other.

FIG. 15 is a partial view of the bottom half of the enclosure portion ofthe case shown in FIG. 10 with the bezel coupled into the main shell andthe closure cap disassembled into its components.

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the enclosure portion of the caseshown in FIG. 10.

FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E, and 17F are front view, back view, leftside view, right side view, top view, and bottom view, respectively, ofthe enclosure portion of the case shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the buoyancy unit of the caseshown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a mobile electronic device beinginserted in the enclosure portion of the case shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the enclosure portion of the caseshown in FIG. 10 being inserted into the buoyancy unit.

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a case according to anotherembodiment of the invention, showing the main components disassembledfrom each other.

FIG. 22 is a side perspective view of the case shown in FIG. 21 with itsmain components disassembled from each other.

FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of the case shown in FIG. 21 with itsmain components disassembled from each other.

FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of the enclosure portion of the caseshown in FIG. 21 snapped onto the buoyancy unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a case for a mobile electronic device.Mobile electronic devices include, for example, cellular telephones,portable music players, GPS devices, and small computing devices. Theenclosure portion is configured to be relatively form fitting to thedevice, configured to be water resistant, and when coupled with thebuoyancy cradle, the case holding the mobile electronic device isbuoyant in water.

A case according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS.1-5. In general, the case 10 includes a enclosure 12 and a closure flap14. As will be explained below, a mobile electronic device is insertedthrough the closure flap 14 to the inside of the enclosure 12 when theclosure flap 14 is extended away from the enclosure 12. Then, theclosure flap 12 is folded adjacent to the enclosure 12 to enclose themobile electronic device.

The enclosure 12 includes a front surface 16, a back surface 18, andside surfaces 20, 22, and 24 between the front surface 16 and the backsurface 18. A first chamber 30 for receiving the mobile electronicdevice is formed between the surfaces 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24. Theenclosure 12 also includes an opening 26 to the first chamber 30. Asshown in FIG. 1, the first chamber 30 is bounded inside the enclosure 12by a first side wall 32, a second side wall 34, and an end wall 36.

The first chamber 30 may be sized and shaped to receive multiple typesof mobile electronic devices, or specifically sized and shaped toreceive a particular type of mobile electronic device. For example, thefirst chamber 30 is specifically configured to receive a mobile devicesold under the trademark IPHONE, by Apple, Inc., of Cupertino, Calif.,in one embodiment, while in another embodiment the first chamber 30 isspecifically configured to receive a mobile device sold under thetrademark DROID by Motorola, Inc., of Schaumburg, Ill. Of course,configurations for other specific types of mobile electronic deviceswill be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

A second chamber 38 is provided in the enclosure 12. As shown in FIGS. 1and 2, the second chamber 38 is formed between the sides 20, 22, and 24of the enclosure 12 and the walls 32, 24, and 36 that bound the firstchamber 30. The second chamber 38 is provided with a buoyant materialsuch that the case 10 will float in water when a mobile electronicdevice is inserted into the first chamber 30. In some embodiments, thebuoyant material is air. In alternative embodiments, the buoyantmaterial is a solid material such as foam or cork. Of course, thebuoyant material could also be a combination of air and the solidmaterial. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety ofother materials and combinations of materials could be used at thebuoyant material in the second chamber 38.

It should be noted that while in the depicted case 10 the second chamber38 is partially formed by the walls of the enclosure 20 and partiallyformed by the walls that bound first chamber 30, in other embodimentsthe second chamber 38 is configured as its own structure, separate fromthe other parts of the case 10. The second chamber 38 containing thebuoyant material can be, for example, an inflated article inserted inthe enclosure 12. In such embodiments, the case 10 may still include thewalls 32, 34, and 36 bounding the first chamber 30, or the walls 32, 34,and 36 could be eliminated and the inflated article containing thebuoyant material could form the bounds of the first chamber 30.

The case 10, and in particular, the second chamber 38 with the buoyantmaterial, is sized and configured such that the case 10, when containingthe mobile electronic device, will be buoyant in water. More precisely,and as will be recognized by those skilled in the art, in order to bebuoyant Archimedes principle and the principles of naval architecturewill inform the selection of the buoyant material and the configurationof the case 10.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-5, the second chamber 38 isconfigured as a singular chamber that extends adjacent to the sides 20,22, and 24 of the enclosure 12. In alternative embodiments, the secondchamber 38 is divided into multiple chambers. For example, threeseparate chambers can make up the second chamber, with each of theseparate chambers being provided along one of the sides of the enclosure12. In still other embodiments, the second chamber is only provided inpart of the area of the depicted second chamber 38. For example, in oneembodiment a second chamber is provided as one chamber adjacent to theside 20 of the enclosure 12 and as another chamber adjacent to the side24 of the enclosure 12, but no part of the second chamber is included atthe side 22 of the enclosure 12.

As noted above, the case 10 includes a closure flap 14 adjacent to theopening 26 to the first chamber 30. The closure flap 14 is movablebetween a position where the closure flap 14 is extended away from theenclosure 12 (FIGS. 3 and 4), to a folded position where the closureflap 14 is adjacent to the surface 18 of the enclosure 12 (FIGS. 1, 2,and 5). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the extended position the closureflap 14 is formed so as to provide an opening 40 and a passage 42leading to the opening 26 to the first chamber 30. The mobile electronicdevice can be inserted through the opening 40 and passage 42 to thefirst chamber 30 when the closure flap 14 is in the extended position.Also, as will be further discussed below, the enclosure 12 may beconstructed from a plastic material. With such a construction, theelasticity of the plastic allows for easy insertion of the mobileelectronic device through the closure flap 14.

The closure flap 14 includes a sealing structure 46 capable of blockingwater from passing through the passage 42 to the opening 30 to the firstchamber 30, i.e., a watertight seal. The sealing structure 46 can befurther configured to provide an airtight seal. In the depicted case 10,the sealing structure 46 includes interlocking fastening strips 48 and50. While this arrangement can provide a watertight seal when the firstfastening strip 48 is engaged with the second fastening strip 50, thefastening strips 48 and 50 can also be separated when the closure flap12 is opened to insert or to remove the mobile electronic device fromthe case 10. In other embodiments, multiple pairs of interlocking stripsmay be provided to further ensure a watertight and/or airtight seal.Those skilled in the art will also recognize that there are suitablealternatives to the depicted fastening strips 48 and 50 that could beused to provide the seal, such as a zipper similar to structures thatare used in resealable food storage bags.

The closure flap 14 also includes an attachment structure 52. When theclosure flap 14 is folded over to a position adjacent to surface 18 ofthe enclosure 12, the attachment structure 52 on the closure flap 14 ispositioned to a corresponding attachment structure 54 provided on thesurface 18 of the enclosure 12. The attachment structures 52 and 54 holdthe closure flap 42 in the folded position. In one embodiment, theattachment structures 52 and 54 are a hook and loop combination, such asVELCRO® by Velcro USA, Inc. of Manchester, N.H. In other embodiments,the attachment structures can take a variety of other forms, such asbuttons, zippers, or adhesive structures.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, when the closure flap 14 is positionedadjacent to the enclosure 12, the case 10 as a whole is compact andrelatively form fitting to the contained mobile electronic device. Theconfiguration of the case 10 with the attachment structure 52 on thefoldable closure flap 14 and the corresponding positioning of theattachment structure 54 on the surface 18 of the enclosure 12 results ina configuration that does not have a bulky closure structure separatedfrom the rest of the case. In other words, the positioning of theclosure flap 14 such that it overlaps with the first chamber 16 when themobile electronic device is contained in the case 10 allows the case 10to more closely match the size of the mobile electronic device.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the enclosure 12 and closure flap 14are formed from a continuous piece of material, i.e., the enclosure 12and the closure flap 14 are integral to each other. In otherembodiments, the enclosure 20 and closure flap 14 are formed fromseparate materials, and subsequently joined together in manufacturingthe case. For example, when the enclosure 12 and the closure flap 14 areformed from separate plastic materials, the enclosure 12 and the closureflap 14 can be heat sealed together. The plastic materials for formingthe case will be further discussed below.

The case 10 includes a port 56 for providing an operative connectionbetween a structure outside the enclosure 12 and the mobile electricaldevice contained in the enclosure 12. The port 56 can be configured, forexample, to connect electrical cords such as audio cables or power cordsto the contained mobile electronic device. A plug 58 provides awatertight seal to the port 56 when the port 56 is not in use. Moreover,the port 56 is configured to be watertight when receiving an electricalcord. In some embodiments, a watertight seal is achieved by providing agasket structure in the port 56 that seals against electrical cablingprovided through the port 56. In still other embodiments, the port 56 isconfigured to receive the operative end of the cabling, but there is nota passage extending all the way through the port 56, thereby preventingwater from entering the case. In such a configuration, a separatecabling is provided from a portion of port 56 inside the enclosure 12for connection to the device inside the case 10. As a specific example,the outside of the port 56 can be configured to receive the jack at theend of a headphone cable, and a second cable is provided from a portionof the port 56 inside the case. The other end of the second cable insidethe case includes a jack for insertion in an audio port in the mobileelectronic device contained in the case 10, thereby establishing anoperative connection between the headphones and the contained mobileelectronic device.

It should be noted that while the depicted port 56 is provided at aposition on a side surface 20 of the enclosure 12 adjacent to theclosure flap 14, the port 56 can also be provided at other positions onthe enclosure 12 or on the closure flap 14. In specific embodiments, theport 56 is positioned to be close to the position of operativestructures on the particular mobile electronic device that the case 10is designed to contain. For example, the port 56 can be provided at aposition on the enclosure 12 that is proximate to the position of anaudio jack in the type of mobile electronic device to be inserted in thecase. It should also be noted that other embodiments of the case do notinclude any port. Without a port, an operative connection could still beprovided to the contained mobile device, for example using Bluetooth®technology made by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group of Kirkland,Wash.

In still further examples, the case 10 includes a compressible material,such as felt, which lines one or more of the walls of the first chamber30. The compressible material allows for easy insertion of the device,while still preventing a loose fit that would allow the device to rattlebetween the walls of the first chamber 30. Also, additional shockresistant inserts can also be provided inside the case 10.

An alternative embodiment of a case according to the invention is shownin FIGS. 6-9. In this embodiment, the enclosure 100 includes a frontsurface 102, a back surface 104, and side surfaces 106 and 108, with thesurfaces forming an enclosed chamber 105 in which the electronic device200 is received. The enclosure 100 also includes a closed end 110 and aclosure flap 112, as will be described below.

The enclosure 100 is constructed from a flexible plastic material. Asshown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the flexible plastic material is configured andsized such that the front surface 102, back surface 104, and side sides106 and 108, stretch from a reduced size to an extended size uponinsertion of the electronic device 200 into the enclosure 100. As such,the enclosure 100 fits tightly around the mobile electronic device 200along the front and back surfaces 102 and 104, and along the sides 106and 108. In effect, the enclosure 100 forms a tight-fitting sleevearound the device 200.

A buoyant structure 114 is provided adjacent to the closed end 110 ofthe enclosure 100. In some embodiments, the buoyant structure 114 is apiece of buoyant material, such as foam or cork. In other embodiments,the buoyant structure 114 is a container filled with a buoyant material,such as an air-filled bag. The buoyant structure 114 may either beattached to the inside of the enclosure 100, or provided as a separatepiece inserted into the enclosure 100. Like the other depictedembodiment described above, the enclosure 100 and buoyant structure 114are sized and configured such that the enclosure 100 is buoyant in waterwhen containing the mobile electronic device 200.

As shown in FIG. 6, the buoyant structure 114 is configured to extend tono greater than the distance A between the sides 106 and 108 when theenclosure 100 is stretched to receive the mobile electronic device 200.In this manner, the enclosure 100 is sized to closely match the width Wof the mobile electronic device 200, with the buoyant structure notadding any additional width to the enclosure 100. Further, as shown inFIG. 7, the buoyant structure 114 is configured to extend no greaterthan the distance B between sides 102 and 104 when the enclosure isstretched to receive the mobile electronic device 200. As such, theenclosure 100 is sized to closely match the height H of the mobileelectronic device 200, with the buoyant structure 114 not adding anyadditional height to the enclosure 100. It should be noted, however,that while the depicted embodiment shows the buoyant structure 114matching both the width W and the height H of the contained mobileelectronic device 100, in alternative embodiments the buoyant structure114 could be made larger than one of these two dimensions of the mobileelectronic device 100.

The enclosure 100 includes a closure flap 112 at the end opposite to theclosed end 110. The closure flap 112 is similar to the closure flap inthe embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-5 and described above. The closureflap 112 is movable between an extended position for receiving themobile electronic device through an opening 113 (FIGS. 8 and 9), to afolded position when the device is contained in the enclosure 100 (FIGS.6 and 7). The closure flap 112 includes a sealing structure 115 forproviding a watertight and/or airtight seal to the opening 113. As shownin FIG. 7, the closure flap 112 also includes an attachment structure116 that is positioned to an attachment structure 118 on the backsurface 104 of the enclosure 100 when the closure flap 112 is foldedadjacent to the rest of the enclosure 100. The sealing structure 115 andthe attachment structures 116 and 118 may be configured similar to thesealing structure and attachment structures in the embodiment depictedin FIGS. 1-5 and described above.

The enclosure 100 also includes a port 120 and a corresponding plug 122.The port 120 is configured to receive electrical cords as with the portin the embodiment described above. Notably, in this embodiment, the port120 is provided on the closure flap 112. Again, however, the port 120can be provided at other positions on the enclosure 100.

Another alternative embodiment of a water resistant, buoyant case for amobile electronic device according to the invention herein is shown inFIGS. 10-20. As shown in FIG. 10, the case 300 of this embodimentcomprises an enclosure 302 and a buoyancy portion or cradle 304. FIG. 10depicts the enclosure 302 and the buoyancy cradle 304 assembled togetherto jointly form the case 300. For the sake of illustration, theenclosure 302 of this embodiment as shown in FIGS. 10-20 is specificallyslimly configured to receive form-fittedly, a specific mobile electronicdevice 200 (FIG. 19), for example, a mobile electronic device sold underthe trademark IPHONE by Apple, Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. The buoyancycradle 304 is also specifically configured to slimly and form-fittinglysized to receive the enclosure 302. It is to be understood that the case300 can alternatively be specifically slimily and form-fittedlyconfigured (i.e., in regard to shape and size, and in regard to thelocation of the various below described features) to receive a varietyof other mobile electronic devices, as would be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art.

FIG. 11 is a front-left side perspective view of the illustrative case300, showing the enclosure 302 and the buoyancy cradle 304 disassembledfrom each other. FIG. 11 also shows the enclosure 302 disassembled intoits constituent parts, comprising an enclosure sleeve 306 for receivingthe mobile electronic device 200, and an end closure cap 307, forenclosing the mobile electronic device inside the enclosure sleeve 306and providing a water-tight seal. Additionally, enclosure sleeve 306 isitself comprised of two main components: a main shell 308, and anattachment 309. These components are coupled with each other, e.g., bypressing, molding, gluing, or otherwise coupling them together, asdiscussed below.

Main shell 308 can be made of a variety of materials known in the art,suitable for enclosing mobile electronic devices 200. However, ascontemplated herein, main shell 308 is can made of either a flexible ora rigid body material. Illustrative of the flexible body material thatcan be used are moldable plastics such as thermoplastic elastomers(TPE), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), and the like. Alternatively,the flexible body material may be made of a silicone-type material.Illustrative of the rigid body material that can be used are moldablematerials such as rigid thermoplastic polyurethanes (RTPU),polycarbonates, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) copolymers,polycarbonate/ABS blends, and the like and the like. However, it isunderstood that any other suitable flexible or rigid molded or extrudedmaterials known in the art may be used as well. Flexible is defined ascapable of at least one of bending, stretching, and/or compressing, andreturning to its original shape, without breaking Rigid is defined asunable to bend, stretch, or compress out of shape without breaking.

Main shell 308 includes a front side 310 and a backside 312 defining acavity 311 therebetween. A portion of the front side 310 of main shell308 defines an opening 313 that is spanned by a transparent, flexiblefilm 315, as shown in FIGS. 12-16. Transparent film 315 has the generalshape of the mobile electronic device's touchscreen 202, and its sizecan be at least about equal to that of the device's touchscreen, whichenables finger stroke communication with the device's touchscreenthrough the film. Referring to FIG. 19, communication with the device'shome button 204 or other mechanically actuated switch on the face 206 ofthe device 200 is also enabled through transparent film 315, optionallyincluding, e.g., a marking, protrusion or depression 316 at the locationof the home button, as shown in FIG. 16. Transparent film 315 may bemade of any suitable material known in the art that is transmissive ofpressure, thermal, capacitive, or other finger or stylus interactionsensed by the technology utilized by the touchscreen 202 of the device200. Illustrative of this material are materials well-known in the artsuch as those sold under the trademark MYLAR and MELINEX by DupontTeijin Films, of Chester, Va.), or other similar BoPET or otherpolyester films, and the like. In one aspect of this embodiment,transparent film 315 is co-molded, overmolded, or glued to main shell308, providing a water-tight seal for opening 313.

Referring to FIG. 12, main shell 308 also includes a closed first end318 and an open second end 320, and also a left side wall 322 and aright side wall 324. Side walls 322 and 324 may optionally include aseries of ridges or ribs 326 for easy, non-slippery gripping of the case300. Additionally, the main shell 308 and closure cap 307 can includeone or more ports therethrough. The ports can provide for a anelectrical cable connection therethrough, for example, selectivelyunpluggable to allow connection therethrough of an audio connector andcable to plug into an underlying audio jack of the device 200, closedwith a micro-screen that allows transmission of sound therethough withan underlying speaker or microphone of the device and that prevents thepenetration (passage) of water therethrough, and closed with awatertight flexible membrane allowing for the actuating therethrough ofan underlying switch of the device.

For example, in the illustrative embodiment of case 300, left side wall322 includes membrane actuators 328 overlying the location of thedevice's volume or other mechanical switches (not shown). The actuators328 include either a depression, protrusion, or other tactile or visuallocator defined in main shell 308. Referring to FIG. 14, membraneactuators 328 may include a central member 329 a and a web 329 b thatencircles the central member. Advantageously, the web 329 b can behighly flexible, connecting the central member 329 a to the wall 322,while allowing axially inward translation of central member 329 arelative to the case 300 and the device 200. Central member 329 a can bea stiffer, inwardly and/or outwardly protruding member. Thus, pushing onthe membrane actuators 328 allows translation of mechanical pressure tothe underlying volume or other device switches. Left side wall 322 mayalso optionally include a protrusion or depression with a flexiblemembrane actuator 330 at the location of the device's mute (i.e.,ring/silent) or other switch, which may allow for actuating the deviceswitch on and off through the flexible membrane. Closed first end 318can also include a membrane actuator 332 (see FIG. 17E) at the locationof the on/off (i.e., sleep/wake) or other function switch of the device.Such membrane actuators can also be located at other portions of case300 depending on the location of the switches or other interfacefeatures of the device 200. The membrane actuators 328 and 332 can bepressed, molded, glued, or otherwise coupled with the enclosure sleeve306 or closure cap 307.

Additionally, the closure cap 307, specifically 360, can includes a port364 (FIG. 12) for providing an operative access to the mobile electronicdevice's headset jack. In the illustrative example, the port 364 can belocated to coincide with the device's headset jack. In one embodiment,port 364 includes a female thread configured for coupling with a screwplug 344 and an O-ring gasket 345 made of rubber or silicone material,and the like. Mounting gasket 345 onto screw plug 344 and driving screwplug 344 all the way into the female threaded well 343 provides awatertight seal for port 364 when the port is not in use. Threadedrecess 369, for example, formed in the 360 of closure cap 307, canprovide a location to screw in plug 344 for storage while the port 364is in use. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) plug 344 is pressedor snapped into port 364 to provide a watertight seal for port 364 whenthe port is not in use. It is understood herein that port 364 mayalternatively be configured to provide a watertight connection to aheadphone cable in a manner similar to that described earlier in regardto port 56 of case 10 above. It is also understood that the location andconfiguration of port 364 may be specifically designed to be compatiblewith other devices than the illustrative device herein. For example,such ports 364 can also be located at other portions of case 300 and forother uses, depending on the location and type of the electricalconnector, jack, or other interface features of the device 200.

Backside 312 (FIGS. 12-13) includes a properly sized opening 333 at thelocation of the rear camera lens of the device. Opening 333 is sealedwith a transparent, clear lens 334. Lens 334 may be manufactured fromsuitable materials such as a polycarbonate polymeric material, and isaffixed into opening 333 in a watertight manner by methods well known inthe art, such as by overmolding or gluing the lens to the backside 312.

Attachment 309 (herein referred to interchangeably as bezel 309) is anattachment device open at both ends, and includes two opposite pointingflanges 350 and 352 defining an inner cavity 354 therebetween. Flange350 is configured for coupling with main shell 308 by insertion into theopen second end 320, as discussed below. Flange 352 is also configuredfor coupling with closure cap 307, as discussed below.

Bezel 309 can be constructed of a rigid plastic material, creating ahard body into which the closure cap 307 snaps, as discussed below.Illustrative of this rigid plastic material are materials well-known inthe art such as rigid thermoplastic polyurethanes (RTPU), variouspolycarbonates, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) copolymers,polycarbonate/ABS blends, and the like. Flanges 350 and 352 mayoptionally have identical shapes and dimensions relative to each other,or have different shapes and dimensions relative to each other.Additionally, the inner cavity 354 is configured such as to allow themobile electronic device to slide through cavity 354 easily. Each offlanges 350 and 352 may optionally also include one or more gaskets orridges 355, which help to provide a watertight fit when the flanges arecoupled with their respective counterparts, as discussed below. Flange350 is shaped and dimensioned so that, when inserted into the opensecond end 320 of main shell 308, it fits precisely and tightly aroundthe interior diameter of main shell 308. In one preferred aspect of theinvention, flange 350 of bezel 309 is co-molded or glued into the opensecond end 320 of main shell 308, providing a permanent, water-tightunion between main shell 308 and bezel 309 (see FIGS. 11 and 15). In analternative aspect of the invention, flange 350 of bezel 309 is fittedwith a gasket, illustratively, a silicone or rubber gasket, and thelike, and pressed into the open second end 320 of main shell 308,providing a water-tight union between main shell 308 and bezel 309.

Closure cap 307 can include two components: a lid 360, and a seal 362.Lid 360 may be constructed from a rigid or flexible material that is thesame or similar to the material used in making bezel 309 or enclosuresleeve 306. Lid 360 includes a flange 365 configured to fit tightly intothe interior cavity of seal 362, as discussed below. Lid 360 alsoincludes an all-around groove 367 (not shown) formed between the crown366 of the lid and flange 365 and into which a portion of the seal 362and flange 352 are received.

Seal 362 is a sleeve gasket made out of materials suitable for providinga water-tight environment. Illustrative of such materials are varioussilicone or thermoplastic urethane (TPU) materials, and the like. Seal362 is configured in size and shape to fit tightly and sealingly ontothe exterior of flange 365 of lid 360. Also, seal 362 and flange 365 oflid 360, when they are coupled together to form closure cap 307, theyare sized so as to fit tightly and sealingly into the inside cavity 354of flange 352 of bezel 309, creating a water-tight seal. Likewise,groove 367 is sized to fit tightly and sealingly onto the exterior offlange 352 of bezel 309, creating a water-tight seal.

Closure cap 307 can also include two ports 368, formed in the end ofcrown 366, on the opposite side relative to flange 365. These ports canbe located to coincide with the mobile electronic device's bottommicrophone and/or speaker, respectively. These ports are covered withultrafine or micro mesh screens that allow sound to pass through butprevent water from penetrating through at low pressure. For example, apreferred screen apertures allow transmission of sound but prevent waterfrom penetrating at the low, near atmospheric pressure typical at ornear the top surface of a body of water into which the case 300enclosing the device Illustratively, the ultrafine mesh screen may bemade of various polyethylene and/or similar polymeric materials wellknown in the art, or treated fabrics, such as 100% polyester oxfordfabrics with a waterproof polyurethane coating, including part numbers210D, 110G/M2 and 300D, 195G/M2, available from Shaoxing Xiezhong Importand Export Company Ltd, Zhejiang, China. Additionally, an added coatingcan be used on the exterior or interior of the case 300, includingoverall, or selective components or areas, for example, the area of oron the mesh, including for example a flexible rubber spray coating, forexample, sold under the trademark LEAKSEAL by Rust-Oleum Corp. of VernonHills, Ill.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show various views of the enclosure 302 of the foregoingembodiment, with the enclosure sleeve 306 and closure cap 307 snapped(or coupled) together. FIG. 16 is a front-left side perspective view ofthe enclosure 302, and FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E, and 17F are frontview, back view, left side view, right side view, top view, and bottomview, respectively, of the enclosure 302. A mobile electronic deviceenclosed within the enclosure 302 would be protected from potentialdamage due to water exposure, because of the water-tight coupling ofenclosure sleeve 306 and closure cap 307.

In the illustrative embodiment, the relative dimensions and form of theenclosure sleeve 306, cavity 311, and enclosure cap 307 of the enclosure302 preferably minimize and/or lack air and other cushion gaps,stiffeners, and raised rims in order to provide the slimmest,form-fitting watertight enclosure practical for a particular mobileelectronic device 200.

In regard to the buoyancy cradle 304, herein referred to interchangeablyas buoyancy unit 304, FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of this unitdisassembled from the enclosure 302. This unit may be made of anysuitable, foam materials known in the art that have low density relativeto water. Illustrative of such materials is the foamy material commonlyknown as softbone, and the like, for example, lightweight, waterresistant closed cell foam or coated open cell foam commonly used inbuoyancy devices. In one aspect, this foam material may be atwo-material type of foam that is soft, with a more durable, shinycoating on the outside.

The buoyancy unit or cradle 304 is manufactured to have the form of aboat or cradle (FIG. 18), shaped and sized to fit tightly around theenclosure 302. Illustrative buoyancy cradle 304 comprises an integrallyformed back panel 370, first cap 372 extending upward from a first sideand first end of the panel, and second cap 374 extending upward from asecond side and a second end of the panel. In one aspect, at least oneof the first cap 372 and second cap 374 is outwardly flexible relativeto the other in order to receive and retain the first end and the secondend of the enclosure 302, releasably securing the panel 370 againstbackside 312 of the enclosure 302. The volume of material with which thebuoyancy cradle 304 is formed so that when coupled with the enclosure302 containing the particular mobile electronic device 200, the buoyantmaterial displaces sufficient water to float the case 300 near thesurface of a body of water, rather than allowing the case to sink.

Advantageously, the cradle-like design of buoyancy cradle 304 having arelatively flat panel 370 located adjacent a backside 312 of theenclosure 302 and coupling the caps 372 and 374, provides for open spacealong one or both the sides 322 and 324 for gripping and for actuationof the device 200 switches. Additionally, the second cap 374 of buoyancyunit 304 may have two through-ports 375. These two ports are of similarshape and size to the shape and size of ports 368 of closure cap 307,and are located so as to coincide with the location of ports 368 ofclosure cap 307, when the enclosure 302 is placed into the buoyancy unit304. Likewise, the first cap 372 of buoyancy unit 304 has a through-port376 of similar shape, size and location to the shape, size and locationof the depression or protrusion 332 in enclosure 302, thus allowing theuser to access the on/off switch of the device 200 without having todisassemble the buoyancy unit 304 from the enclosure 302. Also, thefirst cap 372 of buoyancy unit 304 has a through-port 377 of appropriateshape, size and location to allow access to the earphone jack port 364of enclosure 302. Furthermore, the back panel 370 of buoyancy unit 304may optionally have a through-port 378 of appropriate shape, size andlocation to allow use of the rear camera of the device without having todisassemble the buoyancy unit 304 from the enclosure 302.

FIG. 19 shows a representation of a mobile electronic device slidpartway into the enclosure sleeve 306 of the enclosure 302. Thus, aperson using the water resistant, buoyant case 300 of the inventionherein would simply slide the mobile electronic device through the bezel309 all the way into the enclosure sleeve 306, then snap or press theclosure cap 307 on, to enclose and seal the device inside, protecting itfrom exposure to water.

FIG. 20 is a schematic that shows a method of installing the buoyancyunit 304 onto the enclosure 302, by angling the top end of the enclosure302 into the top end of buoyancy unit 304, then flexing and distortingthe foam and lifting it up onto the bottom of the enclosure 302.

Another alternative embodiment of a case 400 according to the inventionherein is shown in FIGS. 21-24. In this embodiment, the enclosure 302portion of the case 400 is essentially the same as case 302 described inthe previous embodiment, except that it is depicted in FIGS. 21-24 to befitted with the alternative port represented in FIG. 12A. The maindifference between this embodiment of the case 400 and the precedingembodiment of the case 300 is in the buoyancy unit 401. Thus, instead ofthe cradle- or boat-shaped foamy buoyancy unit 304, a snap-on buoyancyunit is employed, as discussed in the following.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-23, a rigid panel 402 is provided comprising amain flat surface having the shape and dimensions of the backside 312 ofthe enclosure 302. Panel 402 also comprises two semi-rigid elongateclips 404 that project in the same direction from the opposite narrowends of the panel 402, that are parallel to one another, and that areperpendicularly disposed relative to the panel 402. Additionally, eachof the two clips 404 includes a small, inwardly pointing tooth 406 (FIG.22) close to its tip. Rigid panel 402 is configured in such a mannerthat, when it is pressed flush against the backside of the enclosure302, the ends of the enclosure spring the clips 404 outwardly until theteeth 406 of the clips 404 snap into grooves 408 (not shown) on oppositeends of the enclosure 302. It is understood herein that the two clips404 and the corresponding grooves 408 may be located at alternatelocations than the foregoing, as would be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art.

In accordance with this embodiment, a foam pad 410 (FIGS. 21-23) is alsoprovided possessing a surface shape and dimensions identical with thoseof the backside of panel 402. Foam pad 410 is permanently attached tothe rear surface of panel 402 by any suitable means known in the art,such as by use of a suitable glue or adhesive, and the like. Oncecoupled together, panel 402 and foam pad 410 together form the buoyancyunit 401 of the present embodiment. Thus, as shown in FIG. 24, thebuoyancy unit 401, consisting of the coupled panel 402 and foamy pad410, snaps onto the enclosure 302. It is understood herein that thebuoyancy unit 401 may optionally include a through-port of appropriateshape, size and location to allow use of the rear camera of the devicewithout having to disassemble the buoyancy unit from the enclosure 302.

Panel 402 may be manufactured of any suitable rigid plastic materialknown in the art, which may be the same as or similar to the materialused to manufacture closure cap 307 and/or bezel 309, i.e., includingvarious polycarbonates, ABS copolymers, polycarbonate/ABS blends, andthe like. Foamy pad 410 may be manufactured of any suitable low densitymaterial known in the art, which may be the same as or similar to thematerial used to manufacture cradle 304 of the preceding embodiment. Itis understood that foamy pad 310 must possess sufficient thickness toprovide buoyancy in water for the entire case of this embodimentincluding a mobile electronic device enclosed therein.

As indicated above, an enclosure according to embodiments of theinvention can be made from flexible and/or rigid plastic materials. Theplastic can be formed from polymers such as polyurethane orpolyethylene, and the like. Such plastics are water resistant, and alsoresistant to tears and punctures. It should be noted that the term waterresistant, as used herein, encompasses the term “water proof,” andaccordingly a water proof material qualifies as water resistantmaterial. Additionally, the thickness of the plastic material for thecase can readily be optimized to achieve desirable properties.

The plastic material used to form an enclosure and other portions of acase according to the invention can be a substantially transparentmaterial so that the mobile electronic device is visible inside thecase. Alternatively, the enclosure and other portions of the case can beselectively or entirely opaque. Further, the plastic material can beconstructed such that at least a front surface of the enclosure adjacentto a touch screen interface of the mobile electronic device isconductive of finger strokes so that the device can be operated throughthe front surface of the enclosure. In alternative embodiments, whilethe area of the enclosure adjacent to the operative interface of thedevice is substantially transparent and conductive of finger strokes,the other areas of the enclosure and other portions of the case can bemade colored and possibly include artistic designs.

Although this invention has been described in certain specific exemplaryembodiments, many additional modifications and variations would beapparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. It is,therefore, to be understood that this invention may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described. Thus, the exemplaryembodiments of the invention should be considered in all respects to beillustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention to bedetermined by any claims supportable by this application and theequivalents thereof, rather than by the foregoing description.

1. A buoyant waterproof case adapted to receive a mobile electronicdevice having a touchscreen, the case comprising: an enclosure having afront side and a backside and defining a cavity therebetween, theenclosure having a first and second end, the second end defining anopening for slidingly and form-fittedly receiving into the cavity thedevice therethrough, a portion of the front side of the enclosuredefined by a transparent film that enables finger stroke communicationwith the device's touchscreen through the film; a closure sized forenclosing the second end of the enclosure; a sleeve coupled to theopening defined by the second end of the enclosure, the sleevereleasably and watertight sealingly coupling the closure to theenclosure; and a detachable buoyancy cradle having a buoyant panel, afirst cap extending upward from a first side and first end of the panel,and a second cap extending upward from the first side and a second endof the panel, at least one of the first and second cap outwardlyflexible to receive and retain the first end and the second end of theenclosure, releasably securing the first side of the panel against thebackside of the enclosure, the cradle having sufficient buoyancy tofloat the mobile electronic device in water.
 2. The buoyant waterproofcase of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is rigid.
 3. The buoyantwaterproof case of claim 1, wherein the cradle is formed from closedcell foam.
 4. The buoyant waterproof case of claim 1, further comprisingat least one port defined through the enclosure.
 5. The buoyantwaterproof case of claim 4, further comprising a releasable plug forwatertight sealing of at least one of the at least one port, and whereinthe port is positioned to receive therethrough an electrical plugconnected into an electrical connector of the mobile electronic device.6. The buoyant waterproof case of claim 5, wherein the closure definesan opening for releasably receiving and retaining the plug when the plugis removed from the at least one port.
 7. The buoyant waterproof case ofclaim 4, further comprising a micro-screen closing at least one of theat least one port, the micro-screen providing sound transmission throughthe at least one port and preventing penetration of water at atmosphericpressure through the at least one port.
 8. The buoyant waterproof caseof claim 7, wherein the buoyancy cradle defines openings adjacent the atleast one of the least one port to allow transmission of sound to themicro-screen.
 9. The buoyant waterproof case of claim 4, furthercomprising a flexible membrane watertight sealing at least one of the atleast one port, the membrane allowing mechanical actuation therethroughof a switch of the mobile electronic device.
 10. The buoyant waterproofcase of claim 9, wherein the buoyancy cradle is open along at least oneside and between the first and second end, the open side exposing theflexible membrane for finger access when the cradle is attached to theenclosure.
 11. A buoyant waterproof case adapted to receive a mobileelectronic device having a touchscreen, the case comprising: anenclosure having a front side and a backside and defining a cavitytherebetween, the enclosure having a first and second end, the secondend defining an opening for slidingly receiving into the cavity thedevice therethrough, a portion of the front side of the enclosuredefined by a transparent film that enables finger stroke communicationwith the device's touchscreen through the film; a closure sized forenclosing the second end of the enclosure; a sleeve coupled to theopening of the enclosure, the sleeve releasably and watertight sealinglycoupling the closure to the enclosure; and a detachable buoyancy cradlehaving a panel, a first cap extending upward from a first side and firstend of the panel, and a second cap extending upward from the first sideand a second end of the panel, at least one of the first and second capoutwardly flexible to receive and retain the first end and the secondend of the enclosure, releasably securing the first side of the panelagainst the backside of the enclosure, the cradle having sufficientbuoyancy to float the mobile electronic device in water.
 12. The buoyantwaterproof case of claim 11, further comprising at least one portdefined through the sleeve.
 13. The buoyant waterproof case of claim 12,further comprising a plug for watertight sealing of at least one of theat least one port, and wherein the port is positioned to receivetherethrough an electrical plug connected into an electrical connectorof the mobile electronic device.
 14. The buoyant waterproof case ofclaim 12, further comprising a micro-screen closing at least one of theat least one port, the micro-screen providing sound transmission throughthe at least one port and preventing penetration of water at atmosphericpressure through the at least one port.
 15. The buoyant waterproof caseof claim 12, further comprising a flexible membrane watertight sealingat least one of the at least one port, the membrane allowing mechanicalactuation therethrough of a switch of the mobile electronic device. 14.A buoyant waterproof case adapted to receive a mobile electronic device,the case comprising: a sleeve having a front side and a backside anddefining a cavity therebetween, the sleeve having a first and secondend, the first end closed and the second end defining an opening forslidingly receiving into the cavity the device therethrough, a portionof the front side of the sleeve defined by a transparent film; at leastone port defined through the sleeve; a sealing structure providing awatertight seal of the opening at the second end; and a buoyantstructure having a panel releasably secured to a backside of the sleeve.15. The buoyant waterproof case of claim 14, wherein the sleeve isrigid.
 16. The buoyant waterproof case of claim 14, wherein the buoyancycradle is formed from closed cell foam.
 17. The buoyant waterproof caseof claim 14, further comprising a plug for watertight sealing of atleast one of the at least one port, and wherein the port is positionedto receive therethrough an electrical plug connected into an electricalconnector of the mobile electronic device.
 18. The buoyant waterproofcase of claim 14, further comprising a micro-screen closing at least oneof the at least one port, the micro-screen providing sound transmissionthrough the at least one port and preventing penetration of water atatmospheric pressure through the at least one port.
 19. The buoyantwaterproof case of claim 14, further comprising a flexible membranewatertight sealing at least one of the at least one port, the membraneallowing mechanical actuation therethrough of a switch of the mobileelectronic device.
 20. The buoyant waterproof case of claim 14, whereinthe buoyancy cradle is open along at least one side and between thefirst and second end, the open side exposing the flexible membrane forfinger access when the cradle is attached to the sleeve.